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Chrome Engine Cover Bolt and Dipstick Mod
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Chrome Engine Cover Bolt and DipStick Mod
Chrome don't get you home, but it sure looks good! I wanted something nicer for my engine cover and my dipstick. From the local Pep Boys, I purchased the engine cover bolts sold for Chevy's ($10 ea.) that have black Orings, and are made to go on top of a 1/4-20 thread. They have a female thread. I also purchased the same style dipstick, one they sell for Chevy S/B, not B/B.
Chrome Engine Cover Bolts:
1. I had to drill out the original threads to convert to Metric threads. I placed the knobs (1 at a time of course) in a benchvise, with cloth wrapped around it to minimize scratches. Yes. it was difficult to get exact 90 degree with a round object and no flat top, it is pointed. Do your best, and it will still be fine when you put it on.
2. Using a hand drill, I drilled 5/16" holes for the 3/8-16 tap needed for the special inserts I bought.
3. I tapped the 3/8-16 thread
4. I installed the special inserts. 3/8-16 External x 6mm Internal.
5. I installed the setscrews, 6mm x 35mm
Comments: I purchased the special insert from McMaster Carr that is 3/6-16 outside thread (IIRC) and 6mm internal thread. (all part numbers will be provided soon). The inserts is similiar to a Helicoil, but is a solid piece, not like a spring.
I bought some 6mm x 35mm setscrews, and used Red LocTite to keep them secure. I placed the Hex hole inside the Knob, so a smooth tip would go into the hole in the engine cover steel bracket, as you'll see in the pics.
I threw away the O-rings, I didn't like the poor quality and appearance of them. Just another idea for you to consider.
Chrome Dipstick:
1. Buy the one for Chevy S/B, not B/B, and remove the rubber liner inside the knob of the new dipstick.
2. Carefully line up the old dipstick and new dipstick. Consider exactly how far the dipstick tube fits inside the knob.
3. Now mark with a magic marker, transfer the FULL MARK onto the new dipstick. It will be about a 1/2" above the end of the new dipstick's tip.
4. Using a Center Punch, punch the mark; then with a Drill and an 1/8" drill bit, drill a good indentation to mark the FULL MARK.
5. The tip happened to work out to be even with the original's 1/2 Quart Low Mark. Keep the oil on the stick, and you'll never be more than a 1/2 Quart low!
UPDATE: Here are some part numbers to help you locate these at your local parts store.
Don't want to spend 70 bucks on an AEM or NISMO Billet Oil Cap? Check out the one below. (I'll try to get a pic up on Thursday night):
SPECTRE
Billet O-Ring Air Cleaner Nut, 1/4-20 Female Thread P/N 17585 $4.99 ea.
Billet O-Ring Dipstick, Oil Pan Chevy BB '65-'79 P/N 57205 $14.99 ea. Get the SB version for aout 8 bucks. They are exact same length dipstick.
NETAMI
Billet Oil Cap for Honda P/N 31-0896 $19.99
You now have a Chrome DipStick to match your Chrome Engine Cover Bolts! Enjoy!
I've added photo's of the head of the dipstick, and the important end.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrome Engine Cover Bolt and DipStick Mod
Chrome don't get you home, but it sure looks good! I wanted something nicer for my engine cover and my dipstick. From the local Pep Boys, I purchased the engine cover bolts sold for Chevy's ($10 ea.) that have black Orings, and are made to go on top of a 1/4-20 thread. They have a female thread. I also purchased the same style dipstick, one they sell for Chevy S/B, not B/B.
Chrome Engine Cover Bolts:
1. I had to drill out the original threads to convert to Metric threads. I placed the knobs (1 at a time of course) in a benchvise, with cloth wrapped around it to minimize scratches. Yes. it was difficult to get exact 90 degree with a round object and no flat top, it is pointed. Do your best, and it will still be fine when you put it on.
2. Using a hand drill, I drilled 5/16" holes for the 3/8-16 tap needed for the special inserts I bought.
3. I tapped the 3/8-16 thread
4. I installed the special inserts. 3/8-16 External x 6mm Internal.
5. I installed the setscrews, 6mm x 35mm
Comments: I purchased the special insert from McMaster Carr that is 3/6-16 outside thread (IIRC) and 6mm internal thread. (all part numbers will be provided soon). The inserts is similiar to a Helicoil, but is a solid piece, not like a spring.
I bought some 6mm x 35mm setscrews, and used Red LocTite to keep them secure. I placed the Hex hole inside the Knob, so a smooth tip would go into the hole in the engine cover steel bracket, as you'll see in the pics.
I threw away the O-rings, I didn't like the poor quality and appearance of them. Just another idea for you to consider.
Chrome Dipstick:
1. Buy the one for Chevy S/B, not B/B, and remove the rubber liner inside the knob of the new dipstick.
2. Carefully line up the old dipstick and new dipstick. Consider exactly how far the dipstick tube fits inside the knob.
3. Now mark with a magic marker, transfer the FULL MARK onto the new dipstick. It will be about a 1/2" above the end of the new dipstick's tip.
4. Using a Center Punch, punch the mark; then with a Drill and an 1/8" drill bit, drill a good indentation to mark the FULL MARK.
5. The tip happened to work out to be even with the original's 1/2 Quart Low Mark. Keep the oil on the stick, and you'll never be more than a 1/2 Quart low!
UPDATE: Here are some part numbers to help you locate these at your local parts store.
Don't want to spend 70 bucks on an AEM or NISMO Billet Oil Cap? Check out the one below. (I'll try to get a pic up on Thursday night):
SPECTRE
Billet O-Ring Air Cleaner Nut, 1/4-20 Female Thread P/N 17585 $4.99 ea.
Billet O-Ring Dipstick, Oil Pan Chevy BB '65-'79 P/N 57205 $14.99 ea. Get the SB version for aout 8 bucks. They are exact same length dipstick.
NETAMI
Billet Oil Cap for Honda P/N 31-0896 $19.99
You now have a Chrome DipStick to match your Chrome Engine Cover Bolts! Enjoy!
I've added photo's of the head of the dipstick, and the important end.
